Thomas von Wachenfeldt

Thomas von Wachenfeldt is an accomplished Swedish musician, lecturer, and researcher whose career spans over three decades. With a degree in Instrumental and Ensemble Pedagogy and a PhD in Music Education, Thomas has dedicated his career to studying the type of learning that occurs outside of educational institutions, with a focus on Swedish folk music and extreme metal. Thomas is perhaps best known for his 2010 solo-violin album, “Malleus Clericum – Hinslåtar, näckvalser och häxdanser”, which pays homage to the traditional folk music of Medelpad and Hälsingland. His emotive and personal interpretation of the notoriously difficult-to-play folk tunes, which makes them sound almost effortless, has garnered widespread recognition. In recent years, he has expanded his musical expression with “Mythos of the Forefathers” – a music series inspired by Swedish author Viktor Rydberg's eponymous book.

Thomas began his music career in the early 1990s as a member of the metal band De Tveksamma before shifting his focus to Swedish folk music. He studied classical violin and composition at Musikhögskolan Ingesund, eventually becoming a nationally recognised fiddler and touring artist who has performed and lectured throughout Sweden, England, France, the USA, Finland, and Iceland. Thomas is also active with his death metal bands Wachenfeldt and Wombbath. He has collaborated with a number of notable acts – such as Entombed, for whom he arranged “Clandestine” for a symphony orchestra. Other artists he has worked with include Grave, Hulkoff, and Ereb Altor.